Police uncovered a methamphetamine operation while responding to a house fire in Littleton early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Officers were called to a home on Manns Hill Road just before 2 a.m. and found flames burning in the basement. Firefighters responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire.

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Neighbors in the area said first responders were at the scene for hours.

"When I walked by police were still there, and I saw them take something out of the house," Pauline Harris, who also lives on Manns Hill Road, said. "And then I had gone for a long walk. When I came back and the police were still there."

She added the incident came as a shock to her.

"As a neighbor, it's a little unsettling," Harris said.

Two people were taken to the hospital for the treatment of smoke inhalation, police said. One also suffered minor burns.

A responding officer, who is also a trained clandestine lab investigator, uncovered evidence of suspected methamphetamine production. Police said the manufacturing of the drug was the likely cause of the fire.

Police obtained a search warrant and found multiple items believed to be associated with the production of the drug. Some items taken include cell phones, and pots used for the production and meth.

Investigators classified the discovery as a "large" operation.

A hazardous material team was called in to remove the suspected methamphetamine and other dangerous materials that were found on the property.

"I commend the actions of the first responders which prevented the loss of life and catastrophic property damage," Chief Paul Smith said in a press release. "This incident clearly demonstrates the dangers of drug use and production which we continue to battle during this state wide epidemic."

Police did not release the names of those involved in the alleged operation. So far no charges have been filed.